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Ellie Levy was a fighter from the start. She loved life and lived it fully. Ellie battled cystic fibrosis until she passed away at the age of 23. She was bright and funny. She was a talented comedic actress and sang with a soulful voice. Ellie cared enormously for others. She felt particularly passionate about helping other children and young adults, like herself, that battle life-threatening illnesses. Ellie wanted to make sure that all children have what they need to survive regardless of cost.
“I know first-hand how difficult it is to have a child battling a critical illness. The idea that many families are also faced with tremendous financial stress is unfathomable,” says Stacey Levy, founder of the Ellie’s Army Foundation. “Some families that come to us are already living in their cars. These circumstances have a direct impact on the health of their child.”
Named for their daughter, Stacey and her husband, Brian, began the foundation in 2001 so that these families would only have to worry about helping their child fight to live.
On Sunday, February 27, 2022, Ellie’s Army will be holding their 4th Annual Dirty Socks 5K Run & Walkathon. Why Dirty Socks? At the end of her life, Ellie had two back-to-back double lung transplants. She was told that if she wanted to get well, she needed to walk. Her transplant surgeon asked to see her “dirty socks” to prove that she had been walking. Despite the pain, Ellie walked and walked.
This event, chaired by Cindy and Scott Orlinsky, will be held both virtually and in person. “We decided to offer participation virtually for those who, because of COVID-19, are not comfortable attending an in-person event.” said Stacey. “We are so grateful for the tremendous support that we have received from the City of Aventura. The proceeds from the event will make a direct impact on the lives of these children. It will give them the ability to have what they need to live as long and healthy a life as possible.”
For more information contact Stacey Levy at info@elliesarmy.org or (305) 756-0068. Check out their website and register to participate at www.elliesarmy.org
